Highlights from the Vice President
for Student Affairs
Dear Parent and Family Members,
In my last message, I expressed how difficult the fall semester was for our campus. Sadly, the spring semester has proved equally challenging with the tragic loss of two of our students. We acknowledge that this continues to be a challenging time for our community and for many of you back home. We want to assure you we are aware and continue to work diligently to take care of our community. Please see President Foster's message to parents and families here. In addition to the campus resources and outreach that we provide, we are also hosting a Lions Hour for students to continue to process with each other and professional staff on Friday, March 8, at 1pm in BSC 225W.
Sean O. Stallings
InterimVice President of Student Affairs
Welcome
Inside this edition of our Parent & Family Newsletter, you can find valuable information about the upcoming Thrive: Wellness Expo, a feature from Student Health Services, information from Athletics, and a feature about an Interactive Multimedia course. We have also included Spring Break closing information and multiple dates and deadlines for your reference. You can see all of our features listed in the table of contents below.
Susie Orecchio, MA, NCC
Director of Administration & Operations, Student Affairs
Coordinator of Parent & Family Programs
Mark your calendar! We are already looking forward to a day of fun on campus with our TCNJ families on September 21, 2019.
Registration and the tentative schedule will be available later this summer.
Thrive: Wellness Expo 2019
By Rafia Siddiq
Strategic Health & Wellness Specialist
Every year in April, the department of Health & Wellness puts together a wellness expo at TCNJ focusing on helping the campus community to thrive holistically. We invite on-campus and off-campus vendors that display a wide variety of information on health and wellbeing along with an interactive activity to engage attendees. This year’s Thrive: Wellness Expo is taking place on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 from 11 AM to 2 PM in the Recreation Center and will be its sixth year hosting this event. The purpose of this event is to provide the campus community a wide array of information and tips on every aspect of the wellness wheel which includes emotional, physical, spiritual, environmental, social, financial, and intellectual wellness. Some of our vendors includes: Alcohol & Other Drug Education Program, Anti-Violence Initiatives, Attitudes in Reverse (Therapy Dogs), Hope’s Promise (Therapy Mini Horses), Barnes & Noble Campus Bookstore, BodyZen Massage Therapy and DoTerra Essential Oils, Campus Police, Health & Exercise Science, Dining Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Recreation and Wellness, Religious and Spiritual Life, Student Health Services, Penn Medicine – Princeton Health, Student Leadership and Development and many more. With this event, we hope to encourage students, faculty, and staff to make healthier choices for their well-being.
Two TCNJ Head Coaches Earn 100th Career Wins in January By Barry Beal Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications and Game Operations
In a span of 10 days, two veteran TCNJ head coaches, who are also TCNJ alums, earned their 100th career victories. Women’s swimming head coach, Jennifer Harnett, earned her 100th in a win over Kean on January 17. Just 10 days later, wrestling head coach, Joe Galante, picked up his 100th in a win over RIT. Harnett’s record of 101-61 includes an incredible 49-5 mark in NJAC meets. Her run to 100 started with her first career victory, a dual meet win over Montclair State in 2001. She became head coach after excelling as a student-athlete at the college. She’s been the leader of 10 NJAC championships, including eight straight from 2008-16. She also led the team to eight Metropolitan Conference titles and five top-20 finishes at the NCAA Championships. Harnett had big shoes to fill when she took over the program that she swam for as a student-athlete. Brenda Campbell won 217 meets in 35 years as the TCNJ head coach. The 100th win was just the culmination of the hard work and commitment of her swimmers through the years, Harnett said. Her current team made the day special with balloons and flowers to celebrate the occasion. “To have all of my 100 wins at TCNJ is an amazing milestone,” she said. “It makes me reflect on all the athletes who have come through the program and some of the exciting meets we've had through the years.” Just 10 days later, on January 27, wrestling head coach, Joe Galante, earned his 100th career victory in the team’s win over RIT in his eighth year at the helm. His first win came against Hunter College in 2011. TCNJ wrestling has a decorated history, and Galante has added to it in his time as the head coach. He’s the third coach in program history to reach 100 career victories, joining Mike Curry and David Icenhower. Galante, though his time as a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach, is keenly aware of what the TCNJ wrestling program has accomplished through the years. “I’m extremely lucky to be part of that very proud history,” he said. “I do have to give credit to my wife, my parents, and the college. It’s truly been a team effort to persevere in the face of adversity.” Galante was named the 2012 National Wrestling Coaches Association Rookie Coach of the Year in the same campaign that he coached Mike Denver to an NCAA title. He’s coached 12 All-Americans, and the team has twice finished in the top-10 at the NCAA Championships. “I have to thank all of the wrestlers and the assistant coaches,” Galante said. “At 3:45 every day, I get to go wrestle with them. It’s the best.”
First Aid & Medicine Kit for College Students
By Barbara Clark
Nurse Practitioner, Student Health Services
As the cold & flu season continues, we suggest that students keep a well-stocked “medicine kit” of over-the-counter medicines and supplies.Due to the close living and learning environment of a college campus, college students are at increased risk for contracting and spreading colds, the flu and other contagious illnesses. When winter ends, spring will be here with the onset of allergies for many students. Additionally, warm weather brings students outside with the increased risk of injuries (falling off skateboards, sprained ankles), sunburns and insect bites (bees, mosquitos). Having a well-stocked “first aid & medicine kit” of over-the-counter medicines and supplies can help students treat common illnesses and injuries*.
Some suggestions on a well-stocked first aid & medicine kit for college students:
Thermometer to check for fever. Know how to use it and when to take a fever-reducing medicine.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for fever, headaches or pain
Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) for fever, headaches, or pain (take with food)
Cough medicines, cough drops and throat lozenges for sore throats and colds
Decongestants (Sudafed®) to help relieve nasal congestion
Anti-histamines (Claritin®, Zyrtec®) for allergy symptoms
Saline Nasal Spray to help relieve nasal dryness
Antacids (Tums®, Maalox®) and Antidiarrheals (Pepto-Bismol®, Imodium®)
Oral electrolyte drinks (Gatorade®) to replenish fluids in diarrhea or vomiting
Sunscreens with SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection are generally advised
Bandaids® and anti-bacterial creams (Bacitracin®) for minor cuts and scrapes
Anti-itch creams (Hydrocortisone®) for minor rashes and itching
Health Insurance and Prescription Cards to bring to medical appointments
*Students should check with their health care provider if they have special health conditions or if they are taking prescription medications before using over the counter medications. Students should read directions on medications carefully. If symptoms do not improve, students can make an appointment with Student Health Services by using the Online Wellness Link (OWL) athttps://tcnj.medicatconnect.com/ or calling 609-771-2889. For more information, visit https://health.tcnj.edu/.
What's New at TCNJ?
As another semester is under way, see some of the latest news available about The College of New Jersey:
Jess Row, associate professor of English, was interviewed by Comcast Newsmakers on his role as a professional writer in the classroom.
The College recently opened a food pantryfor students and the local community to combat food insecurity.
Armstrong Hall is undergoing renovations to create updated spaces for the School of Engineering.
Stay updated with more news about the College here.
Unrecognized Groups On-Campus By The Offices of Student Involvement & Student Conduct
With the spring semester underway, we enter into the primary recruitment period for fraternities and sororities at TCNJ. Supporting a deferred model of recruitment, each student must complete at least 3 units at TCNJ with a minimum 2.5 GPA in order to be eligible to join ones of our recognized fraternities or sororities. Information about the process for each council and specific group can be found athttps://involvement.tcnj.edu/recruitment/
We also wanted to use this opportunity to confirm your receipt of a letter we sent providing information about four fraternities that lost recognition at TCNJ that may still be engaging in activity. This letter was sent to you directly at the permanent address we have on file for each student. If you did not receive the letter, you can also find it here. As supportive partners in the success of your student, we would encourage you to use this information in the manner you believe best.
If you have any questions related to the letter or about any of the unrecognized groups, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Office of Student Involvement at 609-771-2466 orinvolvement@tcnj.edu.
Faculty Corner By Joshua Fishburn, Assistant Professor of Interactive Multimedia and
and Teresa Nakra, Associate Professor of Interactive Multimedia
Interactive Multimedia 470: Designer Notes from Fred Rogers
Taught by Warren Buckleitner and Josh Fishburn
Fred Rogers - as in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood - was a pioneer in using emerging technologies for societal good. He leveraged old media (puppets, pianos, and props) with the power of new media (TV) to advocate for improving the quality of life for children. He once said, "I went into television because I hated it so, and I thought there's some way of using this fabulous instrument to nurture those who would watch and listen." Today’s media landscape is very different than it was in the days of black and white television, and far more powerful. Yet the principles he created are still valid in the YouTube age, serving as reminders that digital media (apps, video games, web delivered content, and videos) can still be used to improve honest human relationships. Designed in cooperation with the Fred Rogers Center in Latrobe, PA, this course taught students to critique, create, and publish a project in the spirit of the late Fred Rogers.
For the field trip, IMM Professors Warren Buckleitner and Josh Fishburn, along with the students in the class, made a field trip to Fred Rogers’ childhood home in Latrobe, PA for a first-person look at the original Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood. The visit was made with the cooperation with the Fred Rogers Center at St. Vincent College, where Dr. Buckleitner serves as a Senior Fellow. After a tour of the Fred Rogers Archive by archivist Emily Uhrin, students had a chance to present their projects to the staff, and a lucky few were able to play some of the instruments used on the program.
Health & Wellness Newsletter By TCNJ's Health & Wellness Portfolio
TCNJ's Health & Wellness portfolio has another newsletter to share with you from February 2019! We hope that this newsletter can provide you with useful information about the departments, programs, and initiatives taking place at the College that focus on the health and wellness of your students. You can view the latest newsletter here.
Spring Break Closing Information By the Department of Residential Education & Housing
As your student prepares to return home for Spring Break, TCNJ Residential Education & Housing offers a few things for your student to keep in mind while packing up to head home and relax:
Close and lock all windows.
All blinds should be left open unless your student lives in a ground floor room. Please have your student close the blinds if they live on the ground floor.
All trash should be removed from your student's room and disposed of properly in the trash room or designated dumpster. Don't forget to recycle!
All valuables such as jewelry, money, game systems, etc. should be taken home.
Approved pets should be taken home as Residential Education staff will not be responsible for the care of any pets.
Turn off all lights and lock room door.
Your student should review, complete, and sign the check-out slip that will be placed on their door by the staff.
Residence Halls will close at 8pm on Friday, March 15th for Spring Break, and reopen at 2pm on Sunday, March 24th.
Class of 2019 Commencement
Class of 2019 families, be sure to visit the Commencement websitefor detailed information on Commencement festivities. Updated information about departmental ceremonies will be posted on the Commencement website within the next week. The site will continue to be updated as additional details become finalized.
Give Your Graduate a Place in TCNJ History!
In celebration of your 2019 grad, you are invited to leave a lasting
and unchanging legacy for your graduate by personalizing a brick in Alumni Grove.
Through June 30, order a 4x8 inch or 8x8 inch brick at the reduced price
of $127.50 and $297.50. Plus, each order includes a keepsake mini replica.
Visit the Brick Campaign webpage for more information and to place your order.
Significant Dates and Deadlines
Residence Halls close for spring break: Friday, 3/15/19, 8pm
Spring Break: 3/18/19 – 3/22/19
Residence Halls reopen: Sunday, 3/24/19, 2pm
Fall 2019 and Winter 2020 registration window: Tuesday, 4/2/19 – Friday, 4/12/19
Reading days: 5/11/19 – 5/13/19
Final exam period: 5/14/19 – 5/17/19
Reading days continue: 5/18/19 – 5/19/19
Final exam period concludes: 5/21/19, 5pm
Residence Halls close for the spring semester: 5/21/19, 8pm
A Legacy at The College of New Jersey is an alumna/alumnus or current student who is the grandchild, child, or sibling of another TCNJ alumna/alumnus or current student. The Office of Alumni Affairs hosts special events for Legacy families throughout the year. Please let us know if you are a TCNJ Legacy family by clicking here to fill out our survey.
Spencer Savings Bank Spencer Savings Bank Financial Center
Helping Your College Student Build Good Credit
There are so many things college students need to learn and one of the most important topics, actually used every day, is financial management. A big part of our adult lives revolves around finances and with that comes learning to handle credit responsibly. So much of our life is affected by credit. While some parents may try to protect their children from credit card usage, it may be a good idea to not avoid the unavoidable and start the conversation earlier rather than later. With proper guidance, planning and budgeting - credit responsibility can be one of the most beneficial things you teach your children. So… let’s start the conversation.
What are some of the top credit mistakes young adults make?
Research has shown that young adults often do not value credit or think it is important. Often times, they do not understand how recklessly using their credit card can interfere with things in the future (because of a bad credit report). Employers are increasingly running credit checks on job applicants and using that information to make a decision. Also, upon graduation and apartment hunting, know that many landlords check applicants’ credit - your credit history could make a big difference in your next apartment search. With this comes the notion that many young adults do not fully realize the effects of a missed payment. Missing a payment, and errors, can stay on your record for up to 7 years. Young adults need to take the payment deadlines serious. As they reach almost 30 and are ready for a new car, a new apartment/house, a wedding or family – they may still be dealing with the consequences of these bad financial decisions. Furthermore, another factor that should be drilled in is understanding the power of compound interest. Buying items on sale, charging those frappuccinos, getting a travel deal all sound great, but if a card holder only makes the very enticing minimum monthly payments, they can end up spending hundreds or thousands in interest fees. Not so much of a sale now, huh?
What are some ways young adults can build good credit?
They can start by becoming an authorized user on a parent’s account or open up their very own credit card. They can then use the credit card monthly for occasional, small purchases (gas, grocery bill, phone bill) which will help build their confidence in their ability to make the monthly payments and handle their finances responsibly. Payment due dates should be marked on a calendar, or set to auto pay, so that no payments are ever missed. Balances should always be paid in full. They should also avoid applying for many credit cards or co-signing for friends.
So, do you think your child is ready to handle the responsibility of a credit card?
Some college students will be more mature than others, and ready to handle the responsibility of credit better than others. If your child has ever paid a bill on their own, this is a good sign. If they have a checking or savings account, also a good sign. Managing a checking account and debit card, as well as having the maturity to save money, are all good signs. If they have, or have had a job, chances are they understand the value of a dollar a little more than someone who does not. Also, a good sign.
Credit cards, credit scores and credit history is so important to learn about. While we can’t guarantee you’ll always use what you learn in Calculus, or some other college subjects, we can guarantee that financial education is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your child. For more financial education tips, visit Rebecca at the Spencer Financial Center, right on Campus Town. Let us know if you’re interested in getting your child started off with a checking or savings account, we’re here.
Spencer Savings Bank’s StudentEdge Free Checking is designed specifically for college students, with no minimum balance requirements, easy online banking, ATM rebates and other student-friendly features. To learn more, visit www.spencersavings.com.
